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Availability of medicine critical to security, survival, says minister

By Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia
08 November 2017   |   4:25 am
Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, yesterday said that availability of medicines was critical for the security and survival of the country.

Chris Ike (left), Consultant on Supply Chain at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Modupe Chukwumah, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Ahmed Ibrahim Yakasai, Abia State Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Representative of the wife of the President, Paullen Tallen, Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Okochukwu and his wife, Lady Nnenna Vivian; and immediate past President of PSN, Olumide Akintayo, at the opening of the 90th Annual National Conference of the Society, Abia 2017 in Umuahia, Abia State…yesterday

Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, yesterday said that availability of medicines was critical for the security and survival of the country.

He said the rational use of effective, affordable, safe and good quality drugs was, therefore, a task that must be addressed.

Adewole stated this yesterday in Umuahia, the Abia State capital at the opening ceremony of the 90th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

His words: “Medicines are pivotal to the delivery of an efficient healthcare as the resolution of most diseases and ailments after investigation and diagnosis is achieved by the use of medicines.”

In his address read by the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Dr. Chuku Abali, the Minster commended the PSN for demonstrating uniqueness in the nation’s healthcare delivery system through their activities and contributions.

He, therefore, described the theme of the conference: Medicines Availability and National Security, as a reflection of commitment of the society and its leadership to the nation’s aspirations and development.

Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari who was represented by the former deputy governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, urged the PSN to advise government on how to constructively deliver healthcare and address challenges in the sector, adding that the country’s unity could not be compromised.

Speaking, Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who declared the conference open at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, commended pharmacists for venturing into the manufacturing of drugs and medicines.

He expressed hopes that given all that is required, Nigerian pharmacists would be in a position to manufacture the country’s drugs needs locally.

His words: “I yearn for a time when 90 per cent of pharmacists in country will be engaged in the manufacturing and production of one drug or the other. When our tick forests and rich endowments in the forests point to one form of medicine or the other, when some of folk medicines would be validated scientifically and endorsed by pharmacists for use in search of wholesome health for our people.

“That is the time I will know that Nigeria has begun to tap the full potentials of the scientists in our midst.”

National President of PSN, Ahmed Yakasai, said the society has been a strong advocate for local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and the need for government to create a friendly environment for the sector, adding, “We believe in Nigerian made medicines.”

He added that the PSN has in the last one year worked round the clock to pursue its grand vision of strengthening self with collaborative, participatory and transparent leadership with national and international organisations in the interest of the profession and the country.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Dr. Lolu Ojo, said that this year’s conference was unique, when PSN was coming of age as a professional.

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